National Welfare/Study Day Conference, 21-23 April 2008 - Theme 'Not for Sale' (Modern Day Slavery)

Report on the event

2010 Anniversary of Fast Day

We need your help for 2010!

It may seem a while away, but 2010 will be the 50th anniversary of CAFOD’s Fast Day – and for that we need your help!

As you all know, the Family Fast Day was started by women like yourselves, and sponsored by the NBCW. We’d like the 50th anniversary to be a celebration of women, and what can be and has been achieved and we’re appealing for your memories, stories and thoughts of the past 48 years of Fast Days – whether they’re from 1960 or 2008. If you’re planning something of your own to celebrate 50 years then please let us know that as well.

We’d love to celebrate the anniversary of Fast Day with the women of the UCM, CWL and NBCW who really made (and still make) it happen.

Please get in touch either via email (apennington@cafod.org.uk) or write to me at CAFOD, Romero Close, Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9TY.

Many thanks indeed,
Alex Pennington

Diocesan Media Day 14 June 2008

Diocesan Media Officers Day

St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham was the venue for the diocesan media day which was held on Saturday 14 June. Representatives from 10 Diocese and our National President Maureen McVann were present at the event. After introductions all round, Sheila Godley, National Media Officer, thanked everyone for coming and set out the format for the day, media roles in the morning and group workshops in the afternoon.

In the morning session, Sheila explained that Media Watch campaigns for decency and accountability in the media and said all Diocesan Media Officers would benefit from being members. The cost is £15 per year and should be funded from the diocese. Media Watch provides information on what is considered acceptable or unacceptable content of programmes currently available on TV and radio.

The findings of a “Taste and Decency “survey undertaken by The Radio Times were:-
74% think there is too much violence on TV,
69% think there is too much swearing on TV,
52% think there is too much sex on TV and
95% think the ‘watershed’ is necessary.
Media Watch also provides details of where/how to complain or praise content of Television and Radio programmes.

Jean Hartnell spoke on the distribution side of The Catholic Mother newspaper, our involvement with Gabriel Communications and the role of the diocese and their link with foundations, regarding non delivery of papers, increase or decrease of copies etc.

If the Parish Priest cancels the Catholic Papers the Catholic Mother will not be delivered. It is important to let Jean know immediately you know that the papers have not been received Jean is the link to Gabriel Communications and she will deal with it.

The web-site has been updated and can now be accessed by www.theucm.co.uk. If you have a Diocesan web-site and would like this linked to The UCM website then please contact Sheila Godley.

The Audio Tape of the ‘Catholic Mother’ is available for any member who has problems reading the printed version. If you know of anyone who would like a copy please let Sheila have their name and address.

The masthead of the ‘Catholic Mother’ newspaper has been re-vamped to match the posters and leaflets that have just been published.

The HATS booklet giving guidelines and relevant information to be followed by Diocese and Parish Foundations in the running of The UCM has recently been updated. It is available from Pat Gibson price 50p.

Val Ward spoke on the role of editor and what was needed from Diocesan Media Officers to ensure as few problems as possible. The final dates for the inclusion ot items/articles for the next issue of The Catholic Mother is always printed in the newspaper. Birthdays and anniversaries will only be in the newspaper after the event and not before. Media Officers were encouraged to use their Diocesan newspaper as well, if they have one, to promote The UCM. Occasionally things go wrong and Val explained it was sometimes out of our control.

A pack had been produced for each diocesan media officer with, hopefully, all the information they need to fulfil their role. The pack is to be kept up to date and passed to succeeding media officers to help them.
In the afternoon the Media Officers were split into two groups to enable them to discuss ways in which to improve communication within The UCM.

The outcome of these very enthusiastic discussions is included in the notes from the day which have been sent to all Diocesan Media Officers for circulation to all members in their Diocese.

Everyone who attended the day went away prepared to find ways in which to improve communication and encourage other women to join The UCM.

Sheila, Val and Jean would like to thank everyone who attended the day for their very enthusiastic contribution to this very productive day and we look forward to next year.

Sheila, Val & Jean
Media Team

L-R Jean Hartnell Secretary Administrator,

Sheila Godley National Media Officer

and Val Ward Features Editor 'Catholic mother'